Furthermore, SWEDOW threatens to put out of business local vendors who desperately need to sell the type of shoes and clothes that we’re giving away for free—in order to live.

Slate suggests:

There is one simple way that people who want to help can help. Donate money—not teddy bears, not old shoes, not breast milk. Give money to organizations that have worked in the affected areas before the storm—they will be more likely to know and be able to navigate the local context and may be able to respond faster, as it won’t take them time to set up.

So, next time you consider giving away those dusty Reebok Pumps to the unfortunate people of some affected area, think instead, “SWEDOW.”